Their mental toughness can barely support an eggshell, and if that's not corrected, San Diego won't make the playoffs despite playing in a very winnable division. Even if they do make the cut, having to deal with the adversity that comes in the postseason seems like it would be too much.

Gregg Rosenthal NFL.com

Blame Smith ... for allowing Turner to keep his job

A.J. Smith deserves the blame for continuing to employ Norv Turner. It's not just about the offense that Turner runs -- it's his ability, or lack thereof, to manage an organization.

Turner tries out a new defensive coordinator every couple of years, and he might have actually hit upon a good one this season in John Pagano. But Smith's drafting and Turner's coaching have allowed the offense to erode over time. That all comes back to the man in charge.

Jason Smith NFL.com

It all comes back to Smith's inability to collect enough talent

What a meltdown in San Diego. Plenty of teams have blown leads before, but continually watching the Chargers collapse is tough. This is much bigger than one Monday night debacle.

The Chargersshould be able to get any free agent they want, but they can't, because A.J. Smith has a reputation as a general manager who coaches and players don't want to deal with. No one wants to go play there. Who was the last true impact player they signed in free agency? Good luck trying to name one.

But more telling is this: Just about every star player who's become a free agent has left town. LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Cromartie, Vincent Jackson, Shawne Merriman -- they've all gotten out. Even guys like Mike Tolbert and Steve Gregory left. You can't rely solely on the draft to keep your talent base full enough to be an elite team. You know, one that doesn't blow 24-0 leads.

Adam Rank NFL.com

Chargers just haven't been built for success under Smith

I almost hate to blame Norv Turner for this loss. Blaming him would be akin to blaming my dog for not understanding algebra. There are just some things that don't compute. Thus, the blame should be placed on the guy who has stubbornly stood by Turner during the decline of the Chargers, general manager A.J. Smith.

Smith also has missed on a number of first-round picks, and was given way too much credit for the Philip Rivers deal, which also netted Nate Kaeding and Shawne Merriman. Speaking of which, Archie Manning has long been vilified in San Diego for orchestrating the move to get his son to the New York Giants. But after all these years, it turns out Archie had a point.